Dec. 30: Mental illness

The Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County is responsible for helping many of those dealing with mental illnesses. Dr. Steven Schnee, the executive director of the MHMRA, talks about what you need to know for your own health and what to watch out for in your loved ones. In the wake of the tragic shootings in Connecticut, concerns have been heightened about what to look for.

Marilyn Brown is the president and chief executive officer of the Houston Coalition for the Homeless, which deals with many homeless who are also dealing with mental illness. Brown and Scnee join Khambrel to shed light on this very important topic in this week's Houston Newsmakers.

Perhaps the most important guest on this topic is Brian Palmer, who was homeless, spent time in jail and was addicted -- all because of his mental illness. He is on his meds, working at a full-time job and shares valuable insights about what it's like to deal with mental illness. It's an interview you don't want to miss.

Also this week --- The state of our education system in Texas!

Dr. Robert Sanborn, the executive director of Children at Risk, talks about the very sobering realities facing our children as legislators look at maintaining budget cuts and search for more effective ways to teach our children. Sanborn has some eye-opening statistics about the reality our children face in the year ahead.

It is a very informative half hour! Watch Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall Sunday at 10 a.m., right after Meet the Press with David Gregory.